Article 4
1. By way of derogation from Articles 30 to 33 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, where due to the measures put in place to address the pandemic of COVID-19 Member States are not in a position to carry out on-the-spot checks in accordance with the rules set out in those Articles, Member States may decide to organise those checks in respect of claim year 2020 in accordance with the rules set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. 2. The control samples for on-the-spot checks in respect of claim year 2020 shall cover at least: (a) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme; (b) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the redistributive payment; (c) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for areas with natural constraints; (d) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment for young farmers; (e) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for area-related payments under voluntary coupled support; (f) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the payment under the small farmer scheme; (g) 10 % of the areas declared for the production of hemp; (h) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for the crop specific payment for cotton; (i) 3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment; (j) 3 % of all beneficiaries required to observe the greening practices and using national or regional environmental certification schemes as referred to in Article 43(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013; (k) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for rural development measures; (l) 3 % of all collectives submitting a collective claim; (m) 3 % of all beneficiaries applying for animal aid schemes and cover at least 3 % of the animals. The sample referred to in point (i) of the first subparagraph shall, at the same time, cover at least 3 % of all beneficiaries having areas covered with permanent grasslands that are environmentally sensitive in areas covered by Council Directive 92/43/EEC ( 17 ) or Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 18 ) and further sensitive areas referred to in Article 45(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013. As regards point (k) of the first subparagraph, for the measures provided for in Articles 28 and 29 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 19 ) , the control rate of 3 % shall be achieved at the level of the individual measure. 3. Member States that have already decided to reduce the control rates for certain schemes to 3 % in accordance with Article 36 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014, may further reduce the percentages set out for those schemes in paragraph 2 of this Article to 1 %. 4. The results of the checks carried out in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall not be taken into account in respect of the following claim year for the purposes of Articles 35 and 36 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, the increase in control rates that should have been applied in claim year 2020 in accordance with Article 35 of that Regulation, shall be applied by means of a corresponding increase in claim year 2021. 5. For the purpose of applying the control rates set out in points (a), (e), (i) and (j) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, Member States shall give priority to areas other than those of permanent grassland and/or permanent crops. Areas not covered by checks in respect of claim year 2020 as a result of the application of paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be prioritised in the update of the identification system for agricultural parcels in subsequent years. 6. In the year 2020, Article 33a of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 shall not apply.